Alive and Kicking Ass

I've finally caught up on life.

Which isn't to say that I haven't been alive or reasonably well. But I hadn't been living. Death of a parent. Hard life lessons and the aftermath: huge medical bills as a daughter trying to figuring out how best to support her mother, an amazing and strong woman who had to learn to survive without her best friend. While I was also trying to bridge a gap in my own heart and figure out "what next?" A portion of my life has been filled with taking care of others and it had become everything. I finally realized how I was living after all this...how I was thinking in the aftermath of some of this just wasn't working. I realized a very simple truth. Change can happen anytime, any reason, planned or not and that is actually quite an awesome thing. I did a lot of introspection and all those deep thoughts that happen if you are willing to dive after life-altering events. I realized I could go on and just be alive and drift through the world outwardly happy but inwardly in some sad and anxious state. Or I can be who I want to be and live with lust, passion, zest and fun. I could make that one of my gifts to those around me and especially to myself. So now I'm living. I think I'm a better person, nay a better gamer not just for reaching out and going for those things that matter to me but doing it with a genuine smile. Living really feels wonderful. If you aren't, I reccommend it highly.

So in light of the changes thrust on me I made some of my own. I'm working still part-time thankfully, in this hard economy. I'm also in school full-time and closing in on a Bachelor's degree to help take me to some places I want to go. And I got back to my basics and saved, scrimped and bought my ass a Pro system XBOX 360 for my birthday last month, because SOME people just didn't get the hint. You know how that goes. This is also signficant because I kept finding reasons to deny myself (ie oh I have bills or someone needs monetary help. etc). One of my biggest pleasures is playing games old or new and having a good time with others who do too. I'm not denying myself anymore because just like most of you I suspect, gaming is important to me and a joyful thing. Since I got my 360 about a month ago, I have played the hell out of Mass Effect. I am currently tackling Fall Out 3 and I am itching to check out Assassin's Creed (I know, I've heard it's got issues) and then I need to learn myself some Gears of War or Call of Duty soon. One of those will be next month's purchase I think. Oblivion sometime toward summer? We'll see.

Hi, I'm Maxxie. Wanna new friend who promises not to keep posting like a self-help book, but loves to talk about her love of all things gaming and how it weaves into my life in general? Maybe it weaves into yours and we can share? Add me. Come find me on XBOX Live. Is there a game I shouldn't miss? Tell me. Wanna talk smack and laugh? Bring it.

I'm ready to play.